Itineraries & Trails

Tourist drives

Port Macquarie – Scenic Drive

Telegraph Point and hinterland

From the Oxley Highway, join the Pacific Highway and head north. For lovers of fine wines, a must this morning is a visit to Cassegrain Wines. Look out for the exit signs on your right as you head north. The winery overlooks rolling vineyards and a magnificent rose garden. The contemporary and spacious cellar door provides visitors with the opportunity to taste the full range of wines.

Continue north along the highway to Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries, boasting two varieties of hydroponic strawberries and five varieties of rich, red, vine-ripened tomatoes, including delectable bite-size cherry and mini-Roma styles. Strawberry jam is a specialty. Pick your own strawberries all year round or relax at Café Red, offering simple fresh country cuisine, morning and afternoon tea, award-winning jams, relish and sauces in air-conditioned comfort. All under cover – wet weather never a problem.

Cross the Wilson River and take the signed exit to charming Telegraph Point. Enjoy a picnic or simply relax on the banks of the river of this historic township, in a peaceful rural setting.

After visiting Telegraph Point, you will need to rejoin the Pacific Highway and travel south to exit the highway west into Pembrooke Road. Drive down Pembrooke Road and turn into Bellangry Road and travel along here until you reach Hastings Forest Way. From here the road is unsealed, however, is regularly graded. Subject to weather conditions, the road is generally suitable for a conventional vehicle, however, 4WD is preferred. If using a conventional vehicle, please exercise caution.

Continue on to No 1 Lookout, a great place to break your journey for a cuppa at the picnic tables and enjoy the 180° view over the coastal plains. Return to Hastings Forest Way and follow it until you turn off to Wilson River Reserve. Experience the majesty of a towering rainforest by following a marked walk that leads through a mass of Bangalow palms to a gigantic strangler fig.

The track continues through the forest passing over a creek and ending at a waterfall and pool (a great swimming spot in summer). The track is lined with moss covered fallen logs, colourful fungus and ferns of every description while bird nest ferns and other epiphytes adorn the trees. The reserve has picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and walks including a botanic track.

Retrace your route along Hastings Forest Way to join Bellangry Road and sealed roads to Wauchope and Port Macquarie. The length of this drive is about 160km with a driving time of 2.5 hours.